Large Luristan Bronze Socketted Axe-Adze
13th-7th century B.C. With tapering socket and flared rim to the mouth, vertical axe-blade with curved cutting edge, horizontal adze blade of similar proportions. Cf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 2004, items 21, 34. 1.14 kg, 24 cm (9 1/2 in.).

Acquired 1980-2015.Ex Abelita family collection.

The earliest axe-adzes from the 3rd millennium B.C. were weapons and tools furnished with socketted holes. Usually the socket is a more secure way of attaching the object to a wooden haft than having a tang. These weapons developed into a range of different forms in the 2nd millennium B.C., which were used until at least 800 B.C.